Rattlesnake Mountain

Description

Rattlesnake Mountain is a 7 mile long forested mountain southeast of the town of North Bend, and it is an obvious landmark seen from Interstate 90. It is located in an area known as the Issaquah Alps. There is an 11 mile trail than runs the length of the mountain and over the summit midpoint along the ridge. The summit has transmitter towers and so Rattlesnake Mountain's summit is not the main attraction, However, the eastern end of the mountain is the business end, and is known as Rattlesnake Ledge, elevation 2040 feet. Rattlesnake Ledge is a popular 2 mile day hike which is open year round. The well maintained trail has an easy grade which gains about 1175 feet elevation. It takes about an hour to hike to the first ledge which most hikers make their destination. Rattlesnake Ledge is accessible year round even when the high country is buried in snow. To get to Rattlesnake Ledge, drive Interstate 90 east from Seattle to Exit 32, turn right and drive 3 miles south to Rattlesnake Lake, and find the trailhead at the north end of the lake. Since there are no rattlesnakes in western Washington, there are various stories as to how the mountain got its name.

Thanks to theyogiclimber for this description.